Carlos Carreño, chief operating officer of Athena Bitcoin, said the company is putting consumer access and trust at the center of its growth strategy as it expands its network of digital currency kiosks.
The company operates more than 4,300 kiosks across the U.S. and Latin America, giving users regulated access to Bitcoin without holding their funds.
“The ATM is simply a secure bridge to access Bitcoin, not a vault,” Carreño said, noting the approach appeals to customers who prefer cash transactions.
In a Q&A on Athena Bitcoin’s blog titled “Building Trust in a Trustless World,” Carreño described how the company balances innovation with regulatory compliance and user protection.
“Our operating model is rooted in service and compliance. We put consumer access and trust at the center of everything we do,” he said. “We streamline processes that align with policy and regulation while keeping the customer experience in mind (…) Put the client first. That mindset helps you earn trust with both regulators and customers (…) We develop ownership, entrepreneurial thinking, and frameworks that allow innovation and regulation to coexist.”
Athena’s kiosks are noncustodial, and the company implements multi-layered consumer protections, including strict KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) checks, according to its website.
Carreño also highlighted efforts to expand access in underbanked areas.
“The future lies in accessibility. Bitcoin is a decentralized, global currency and asset—yet it can be made accessible in something as familiar as a convenience store, a gas station, or a shopping mall. That’s the power of this model (…) The hardest part is adhering to multi-state and multi-country regulations in a dynamic, evolving industry.”
Bank branch closures have left more Americans living in banking deserts, making retail locations key for financial access, according to the Philadelphia Fed.
Athena tackles complex regulations by operating as a licensed provider with compliance teams ensuring adherence across different jurisdictions. This demonstrates strong governance as essential for safely expanding access amidst evolving industry standards.
Carlos Carreño brings extensive experience in regulatory compliance and fintech leadership to his role at Athena Bitcoin. His approach emphasizes transparency and client-first strategies within the company’s operations.
